What makes whole grains whole? Researchers target Europe-wide definition

By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

- Last updated on GMT

Definitions of whole grain vary from country to country
Definitions of whole grain vary from country to country

Related tags Grain Whole grain Netherlands Germany

A group of researchers has published a definition of ‘whole grain’ stemming from the HealthGrain EU project, in an effort to harmonise labelling and nutrition guidelines across Europe.

Many countries, including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States recommend increasing whole grain consumption, as a mounting body of evidence has linked high whole grain intake with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, there is no legally endorsed definition for what constitutes a whole grain in Europe, and different countries have different standards – or no standards at all.

Following publication of the definition in Food and Nutrition Research​ this week, the paper’s co-author, Jan-Willem van der Kamp of TNO Food and Nutrition in the Netherlands, said: “Most supermarkets today are stocked with foods that originate from many different countries. When you read ‘25% whole grain flour’ on one product label; the same claim on a different label could mean something quite different nutritionally. If use of this definition is adopted broadly, this inconsistency eventually would cease.”

He told FoodNavigator that it is widely accepted that ‘whole grain’ refers to a combination of the three parts of a grain: The endosperm, which is the grain’s largest part and provides mostly starch; the germ, where sprouting begins; and bran, the grain’s protective high-fibre outer layer. However, in Italy, for example, the word ‘integrale’ – which translates as whole grain – can refer to just the endosperm and the bran, while in other countries there is no definition.

The published definition – available online here​ – reads:

  • Whole grains shall consist of the intact, ground, cracked or flaked kernel after the removal of inedible parts such as the hull and husk. The principal anatomical components – the starchy endosperm, germ and bran – are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact kernel.
  • Small losses of components – that is, less than 2% of the grain/10% of the bran – that occur through processing methods consistent with safety and quality are allowed.

Van der Kamp explained: “In some countries, for instance in Germany, it is common practice to remove the very outer layer of the grain because it contains the most impurities. We have included that option in our definition.”

He said that individual countries were already beginning to adopt the definition and this would continue to happen on a country-specific basis.

“Eventually it would be great to get this accepted all over Europe.”

He added: “Nestlé has informed me they are busy with a policy paper on grains and the HealthGrain definition will be included in this policy paper on grains. It is being taken up by big companies that operate across countries.”

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Content provided by Lantmännen Biorefineries AB | 06-Dec-2023 | Product Brochure

Lantmännen offers now Oat Groats: Heat-treated oat kernels, also known as oat groats or kilned oats, undergo heat treatment to inhibit enzymes that could...

Oat Beta-glucan – Clean Label Texturizer

Oat Beta-glucan – Clean Label Texturizer

Content provided by Lantmännen Biorefineries AB | 21-Nov-2023 | White Paper

In today's health-conscious world, consumers seek transparent labels and natural ingredients.

2 comments

Whole grain flour is an oxymoron

Posted by PhilT,

"Whole Grains" should means just that. Wholemeal flour from whole grains should be defined as such.

If I buy something with "whole grain" in it I expect to see intact grains as they were on the plant. Like Wholegrain Mustard.

Report abuse

A step in the right direction

Posted by Chris Young,

This echoes a recommendation the Real Bread Campaign made in our 2012 report, 'A Wholegrain of Truth?'

In order to protect counsumers' right to make full-informed choices, what is also needed is regulation of the use of the word 'wholegrain' in product marketing.

For example, in the USA a product must contain have a wholegrain ingredient content of 51% before the term can be used, whereas there is no such requirement.

Report abuse

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars